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Some people are more likely to suffer mosquito bites. Why does this happen? Is there a “sweet blood” that is often used as the culprit? Is it really blood that attracts these insects? In reality, mosquitoes choose their victims based on many factors: body odor, sweat, the carbon dioxide we release, heat and the state of health of the person.
Mosquitoes identify their victims based on the carbon dioxide they emit. People who emit more, such as older adults or pregnant women, are safe prey. The amount of carbon dioxide also varies depending on the diet and physical activity of the person.
According to some studies, mosquitoes prefer women because they have thinner skin. But blood type also plays a role: according to Japanese researchers, mosquitoes prefer people of group 0, while they usually ignore those of groups A and B.
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